Photo of Hemi Hunt, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hemi Hunt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003  (Online Only)
Working with families and couples to connect with each other, while helping individuals learn about themselves and helping them feel grounded in their identity is my passion. I work with single parents, teenagers, and children as young as 4 years old. In my work with my clients, I offer positive parenting skill-building to help parents connect more with their children and build greater empathy, trust, and respect. It is really important to me to offer you and your family a safe space to heal and reconnect.
Working with families and couples to connect with each other, while helping individuals learn about themselves and helping them feel grounded in their identity is my passion. I work with single parents, teenagers, and children as young as 4 years old. In my work with my clients, I offer positive parenting skill-building to help parents connect more with their children and build greater empathy, trust, and respect. It is really important to me to offer you and your family a safe space to heal and reconnect.
(202) 972-8182 View (202) 972-8182
Photo of Anna Jesseman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Jesseman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011  (Online Only)
I am a telehealth convert. Prior to 2020, I could never have imagined that connecting with a therapist online would be so effective. But as a working parent myself, I have personally come to not only value, but depend on the flexibility and accessibility that telehealth provides for my clients. I utilize a variety of therapy modalities with a solutions-focussed core in order to meet the needs of my clients. My style is relational and client-centered. I come from a strengths-based perspective and rely on the principles of third wave cognitive behavioral therapy and understanding the impact of our early family systems.
I am a telehealth convert. Prior to 2020, I could never have imagined that connecting with a therapist online would be so effective. But as a working parent myself, I have personally come to not only value, but depend on the flexibility and accessibility that telehealth provides for my clients. I utilize a variety of therapy modalities with a solutions-focussed core in order to meet the needs of my clients. My style is relational and client-centered. I come from a strengths-based perspective and rely on the principles of third wave cognitive behavioral therapy and understanding the impact of our early family systems.
(202) 935-9457 View (202) 935-9457
Photo of Sarah Miller, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Are you a child of a dysfunctional family, see yourself playing roles of a caretaker, people pleaser, fawner or avoidant of conflict? Do you wonder how these roles began? Perhaps you recognize their origin but feel uncertain how to step outside of these roles that feel inauthentic. Do you ever think to yourself, “I don’t feel like I know my ‘true self’”? You may desire to show up differently but not sure where or how to begin. I assure you; these questions and thoughts make complete sense to me, and I am here to work alongside you as we walk the path towards discovering your inner wisdom, truth and power to heal your past wounds.
Are you a child of a dysfunctional family, see yourself playing roles of a caretaker, people pleaser, fawner or avoidant of conflict? Do you wonder how these roles began? Perhaps you recognize their origin but feel uncertain how to step outside of these roles that feel inauthentic. Do you ever think to yourself, “I don’t feel like I know my ‘true self’”? You may desire to show up differently but not sure where or how to begin. I assure you; these questions and thoughts make complete sense to me, and I am here to work alongside you as we walk the path towards discovering your inner wisdom, truth and power to heal your past wounds.
(202) 980-1236 View (202) 980-1236
Photo of Jane Lim, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane Lim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005
Young adulthood is tough! You may ask yourself, "Am I behind? Why does everyone else seem to have it ‘figured out’? Why don’t I know what I’m doing with my life?" There is an unspoken and unrealistic expectation to be 'perfect' and have it all 'figured out' by the time we reach our 20s and 30s. But in reality, most of us are not! Maybe your friends seem to have successful careers and thriving social lives and relationships. Maybe your family is pushing to know what your future plans are. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious, I am here to help you sort through the noise and take steps toward the life you want to build!
Young adulthood is tough! You may ask yourself, "Am I behind? Why does everyone else seem to have it ‘figured out’? Why don’t I know what I’m doing with my life?" There is an unspoken and unrealistic expectation to be 'perfect' and have it all 'figured out' by the time we reach our 20s and 30s. But in reality, most of us are not! Maybe your friends seem to have successful careers and thriving social lives and relationships. Maybe your family is pushing to know what your future plans are. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious, I am here to help you sort through the noise and take steps toward the life you want to build!
(202) 519-6212 View (202) 519-6212
Photo of Jocylynn Stephenson, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jocylynn Stephenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
I specialize in depression and anxiety, self-esteem and identity concerns, and family and couple conflict.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.
I specialize in depression and anxiety, self-esteem and identity concerns, and family and couple conflict.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.
(240) 288-3728 View (240) 288-3728
Photo of Molly Boehm, JD, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Molly Boehm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ready for less surviving and more flourishing? Less chaos and more ease? You feel like a hot mess, pouring so much energy into getting by. You want success at school or work, better connections with your partner, friends, and family, and a satisfying sex life. You wish you could have more fun. But past failures, disappointments, heartbreak, or regrets keep haunting you. It feels like the pandemic reinforced these mental and emotional shackles.
Ready for less surviving and more flourishing? Less chaos and more ease? You feel like a hot mess, pouring so much energy into getting by. You want success at school or work, better connections with your partner, friends, and family, and a satisfying sex life. You wish you could have more fun. But past failures, disappointments, heartbreak, or regrets keep haunting you. It feels like the pandemic reinforced these mental and emotional shackles.
(571) 474-9416 View (571) 474-9416
Photo of Raquel Grigera, PsyD, Psychologist
Raquel Grigera
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Grigera is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders.
Dr. Grigera is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She provides individualized evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy. Dr. Grigera has worked in a variety of settings, including private practices, public school systems, medical centers, and residential treatment centers.
Grigera is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders.
Dr. Grigera is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She provides individualized evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy. Dr. Grigera has worked in a variety of settings, including private practices, public school systems, medical centers, and residential treatment centers.
(202) 831-2138 View (202) 831-2138
Photo of Megan M Herbets, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan M Herbets
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
(202) 743-7505 View (202) 743-7505
Photo of Aisha Marie Martin, LICSW, LCSW-C, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aisha Marie Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
I offer individual, couples and family therapy.
I believe everyone has the ability to learn new ways to cope and view their personal situation differently. Therapy is a place where you can access your most authentic self and allow the therapeutic process to guide healing. Through creating a safe, comfortable and trusting environment clients will be able to share honestly and receive genuine feedback. My approach is supportive and client centered. You are the expert of your past and together we will explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors to establish improved ways of being and building relationships with others to help shape your future.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy.
I believe everyone has the ability to learn new ways to cope and view their personal situation differently. Therapy is a place where you can access your most authentic self and allow the therapeutic process to guide healing. Through creating a safe, comfortable and trusting environment clients will be able to share honestly and receive genuine feedback. My approach is supportive and client centered. You are the expert of your past and together we will explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors to establish improved ways of being and building relationships with others to help shape your future.
(301) 298-2537 View (301) 298-2537
Photo of Jessica Attas, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Attas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005
Navigating adulthood as a 20- or 30-something is not something we're taught and can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected. You may be asking yourself: Is adulting supposed to be this tough? Why does everyone but me seem to have it all figured out? I know I’m too hard on myself, but how else will I improve and finally start to feel “good enough?” If I'm aware of the patterns that keep getting in my way, why is it so hard to change them? You are not alone in feeling stuck, anxious, and lost right now. If it feels like you’ve tried everything and the support of family and friends isn't enough, it’s time for a change.
Navigating adulthood as a 20- or 30-something is not something we're taught and can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected. You may be asking yourself: Is adulting supposed to be this tough? Why does everyone but me seem to have it all figured out? I know I’m too hard on myself, but how else will I improve and finally start to feel “good enough?” If I'm aware of the patterns that keep getting in my way, why is it so hard to change them? You are not alone in feeling stuck, anxious, and lost right now. If it feels like you’ve tried everything and the support of family and friends isn't enough, it’s time for a change.
(202) 952-2415 View (202) 952-2415
Photo of Katie Jacobi, LPC, Counselor
Katie Jacobi
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005  (Online Only)
Struggling to navigate your 20s or 30s? Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a negative cycle that you can't seem to get out of? Sick of being so hard on yourself, but no matter what you do, you still don't feel good enough? Wondering why being an "adult" seems so tough, while everyone else seems to have figured it out? You’re not alone in feeling anxious, lost, or stuck. If it feels like you've tried everything, and the support of friends and family hasn’t been enough, it's time for a change.
Struggling to navigate your 20s or 30s? Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a negative cycle that you can't seem to get out of? Sick of being so hard on yourself, but no matter what you do, you still don't feel good enough? Wondering why being an "adult" seems so tough, while everyone else seems to have figured it out? You’re not alone in feeling anxious, lost, or stuck. If it feels like you've tried everything, and the support of friends and family hasn’t been enough, it's time for a change.
(202) 335-5293 View (202) 335-5293
Photo of undefined - Dr. Francine Baffa, LCSW — Balance, Focus, Support, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Francine Baffa, LCSW — Balance, Focus, Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
Do you feel stuck? Are external obstacles, or your own internal fears, holding you back from living a full and meaningful life? In therapy, you can grow, heal, and move forward. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges. You can expect to build lifelong coping skills that enable you to reach your goals and experience sustained healing. You can feel calmer, more balanced, more motivated, and more focused. You can learn to build and sustain healthier and more satisfying relationships with family, work colleagues, and romantic partners. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
Do you feel stuck? Are external obstacles, or your own internal fears, holding you back from living a full and meaningful life? In therapy, you can grow, heal, and move forward. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges. You can expect to build lifelong coping skills that enable you to reach your goals and experience sustained healing. You can feel calmer, more balanced, more motivated, and more focused. You can learn to build and sustain healthier and more satisfying relationships with family, work colleagues, and romantic partners. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
(703) 782-3846 View (703) 782-3846
Photo of Megan Nemeth, MA, NCC, LPC, Counselor
Megan Nemeth
Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
Aside from treating eating disorders, I also work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational/peer issues, OCD, stress, trauma/PSTD and life transitions.
Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.
Aside from treating eating disorders, I also work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational/peer issues, OCD, stress, trauma/PSTD and life transitions.
Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.
(202) 791-4286 View (202) 791-4286
Photo of Sarah Dougans, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Dougans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I provide individual, family therapy and parent coaching.
I work with adults and adolescents (14+) who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, postpartum depression/anxiety, infertility, and life transitions (such as career changes, going to college, or becoming parents). My practice is a safe space to help you understand how past experiences shape your relationships, thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, we can work together to better manage the pressure you place on yourself and feel more secure, confident and accepted.
I provide individual, family therapy and parent coaching.
I work with adults and adolescents (14+) who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, postpartum depression/anxiety, infertility, and life transitions (such as career changes, going to college, or becoming parents). My practice is a safe space to help you understand how past experiences shape your relationships, thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, we can work together to better manage the pressure you place on yourself and feel more secure, confident and accepted.
(202) 836-8701 View (202) 836-8701
Photo of Sydney Rosen, PsyD, Psychological Associate
Sydney Rosen
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
I specialize in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including clients established in or considering opening their relationships to non-monogamy.
I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and skill building to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, and empowering.
I specialize in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including clients established in or considering opening their relationships to non-monogamy.
I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and skill building to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, and empowering.
(202) 998-4956 View (202) 998-4956
Photo of Thea Van Hemert, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Thea Van Hemert
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
Clients work with me to learn to form a positive relationships, manage overwhelm, adjust to marriage, process guilt and shame, process and cope with trauma, explore their identities, navigate family and relationship stress, address decreased interest or sleep challenges. We'll use solution-focused, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma informed care and cognitive behavioral frameworks to improve communication, regulate mood, implement new behaviors and decrease symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression, ADHD and more. We'll explore and understand your thoughts, behaviors, relationship and mood patterns and make incremental change.
Clients work with me to learn to form a positive relationships, manage overwhelm, adjust to marriage, process guilt and shame, process and cope with trauma, explore their identities, navigate family and relationship stress, address decreased interest or sleep challenges. We'll use solution-focused, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma informed care and cognitive behavioral frameworks to improve communication, regulate mood, implement new behaviors and decrease symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression, ADHD and more. We'll explore and understand your thoughts, behaviors, relationship and mood patterns and make incremental change.
(202) 860-1323 View (202) 860-1323
Photo of undefined - Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
In therapy, we can map a way forward while building coping skills that can help you move forward to sustained balance and focus in your personal, professional, and family life.
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
In therapy, we can map a way forward while building coping skills that can help you move forward to sustained balance and focus in your personal, professional, and family life.
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
(202) 866-1366 View (202) 866-1366
Photo of Renelle Wolff, LICSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renelle Wolff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You want to find peace within your day and actually enjoy joyful moments with your friends and family.
You look good on paper, you've got the dream career, in your single era or new relationship, newlywed or maybe you're a new parent to the cutest baby ever. Are you looking to explore and process worries and anxieties like "am I good enough?", "do I even know what I am doing?". Maybe you pull your hair, pick your cuticles, have scary thoughts or appear perfect and fall apart once you're home. Together we can find practical tools and solutions so you can have a more peaceful life. Sessions are comfortable like talking to a friend yet provide you the evidence based support you need to make forward progress you want.
You want to find peace within your day and actually enjoy joyful moments with your friends and family.
You look good on paper, you've got the dream career, in your single era or new relationship, newlywed or maybe you're a new parent to the cutest baby ever. Are you looking to explore and process worries and anxieties like "am I good enough?", "do I even know what I am doing?". Maybe you pull your hair, pick your cuticles, have scary thoughts or appear perfect and fall apart once you're home. Together we can find practical tools and solutions so you can have a more peaceful life. Sessions are comfortable like talking to a friend yet provide you the evidence based support you need to make forward progress you want.
(202) 849-9421 View (202) 849-9421
Photo of Jessica Mcdonald, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica Mcdonald
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005
I primarily incorporate psychodynamic, EMDR, and interpersonal approaches with aspects of family systems, mindfulness, and CBT.
Are you looking to make a change in your life or your relationships? Do you want to understand why you tend to repeat the same patterns again and again? I am here to help. I believe in the resilience that exists within all of us and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. My role as a therapist is that of an active collaborator, working together with clients to explore and address current challenges. My most important job is creating a safe and empathic therapeutic environment which fosters individual growth and empowers clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
I primarily incorporate psychodynamic, EMDR, and interpersonal approaches with aspects of family systems, mindfulness, and CBT.
Are you looking to make a change in your life or your relationships? Do you want to understand why you tend to repeat the same patterns again and again? I am here to help. I believe in the resilience that exists within all of us and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. My role as a therapist is that of an active collaborator, working together with clients to explore and address current challenges. My most important job is creating a safe and empathic therapeutic environment which fosters individual growth and empowers clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
(813) 452-4917 View (813) 452-4917
Photo of Ana Buenaventura, PsyD, Psychologist
Ana Buenaventura
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I offer psychological services for individuals (adolescents, adults) and couples. I have helped clients with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, the aftermath of abuse and trauma, family conflict, life transitions, multicultural challenges, and career development. My specialties include working with people struggling with "self-invalidating" modes of thinking, as well as issues related to effectively navigating relationships and managing distress. I have expertise in supporting people struggling with multicultural situations, multiple cultural transitions, and family separations.
I offer psychological services for individuals (adolescents, adults) and couples. I have helped clients with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, the aftermath of abuse and trauma, family conflict, life transitions, multicultural challenges, and career development. My specialties include working with people struggling with "self-invalidating" modes of thinking, as well as issues related to effectively navigating relationships and managing distress. I have expertise in supporting people struggling with multicultural situations, multiple cultural transitions, and family separations.
(202) 517-2232 View (202) 517-2232
Online Therapists

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?

One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.

Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?

Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.

Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?

The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.